MICHELLE ELKINS

Salted Water Waves

During the pandemic, creativity and focus were nowhere to be found in my small, isolated world. As one day blurred into another, I began revisiting my inventory of images, thinking I could reorganize the jumble of photographs taken over the last decade. It was surprising to discover the thousands of waves, beaches, and surf images that I had captured over the years. I smiled with the memories of each of those trips to the ocean with family and friends. In revisiting these images, I realized the power of memory and time that they revealed and wanted to use them to create new work.

After a few months of experimentation with different images, papers, elemental metals and variegated leaves, I discovered the beauty of abalone. The abalone veneer provides a physical texture and the symbolism of strength and healing. Each image is not only unique in the moment captured, but the individuality of the abalone shells molded into a single sheet. The process of molding image with process allowed me to see anew and create a unique retelling of place, time, and memory.